Metro Police Chaplain James Duke is visited by Nashville Sounds mascot Ozzie during the Battle of the Badges blood drive held Friday for the American Red Cross at LP Field in Nashville.(Photo: Samuel M. Simpkins / The Tennessean)

Donating blood Friday was an easy instinct for Police Chaplain James Duke. Twenty-three years ago, blood from the American Red Cross helped to save his life.

Duke was trying to cite a shoplifter in 1991 when the suspect rolled up her car window, wedging him into the driver's door. She dragged him along for about two miles on Gallatin Road, leaving behind deep wounds.

"It's important to give," Duke said just before pushing up his sleeve at the Battle of the Badges blood drive. "Because they had to put a lot back into me."

Duke was one of hundreds who showed up at the annual drive Friday.

Each donor gave on behalf of Nashville's police department, sheriff's office or fire department. Every year, the three agencies compete to get the most blood donated under their names.

The sheriff's office led the pack last year, when 526 units were collected.

It's a lighthearted competition with a serious goal. The Tennessee Valley Region of the Red Cross has come to depend on the Battle of the Badges to shore up its stock during the summer months, when donations are typically slow.

"This blood drive makes a major impact on our blood supply and helps a lot of local patients," said Regina Conway, communications manager for the Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region. "It's become an event that we rely upon to help the community."

Duke and Sheriff's Office Warrant Officer Mike Yarlett playfully needled one another as they waited to give blood, but they kept their focus beyond the competition.

"Of course the Red Cross is going to win, then the recipients," Yarlett said. "We're all winners today."